"Transformers: Dark Of The Moon" Gets The Adrenaline Racing

HOLLYWOOD (WWJ) - "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" is sure to be the hottest ticket in town during the long holiday weekend. The first two "Transformers" movies were a big hit with fans, so anticipation for this latest installment in the successful film franchise is high.

The official release from Paramount Pictures says, "When a mysterious event from Earth's past erupts into the present day, it threatens to bring a war to Earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us." Yes, this time around, the Autobots need human help to battle the evil Decepticons.

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon," features many familiar faces from the first two Transformers films. Shia LeBeouf returns as Sam Witwicky, Josh Duhamel is Captain William Lennox; and Tyrese Gibson returns, but he's retired from the battle lines. There are also some new faces this time around: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stars as Witwicky's girlfriend, Carly; and Patrick Dempsey has a starring role as Carly's boss.

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" has enough action to go around, and it includes numerous references to real-life events. While die-hard Transformers fans are sure to get a kick out of this flick -- it's non-stop, heart-racing action from start to finish -- the plot lacks the "punch" delivered by the previous two films. It also doesn't take advantage of the enormous popularity of Bumble Bee; it seems the popular yellow Transformers Camaro just doesn't see enough action this time around, which diminishes his screen time. While the addition of Huntington-Whiteley is sure to please a great number of male fans, she just didn't display the acting chops of Megan Fox, who previously starred as Mikaela Banes, Witwicky's girlfriend in the previous two Transformers films.

If you're a Transformers fan, you won't want to miss this third installment in the franchise. The stunts and special effects are awesome and this time around, the movie is in 3-D.

One final note: you may want to plan your day around this film. It's 2 hours and 40 minutes long.

See you at the movies!

- Terri Lee, Entertainment Reporter

Follow Terri on Twitter @TerriJLee